Since the beginning of the global pandemic, you can probably pinpoint the areas in your life that have changed. Millions have lost jobs or loved ones, many have been through a natural disaster (hello: snowstorm in Texas!), and most of us are still navigating balancing our home and work lives. While flexibility has proven to be key in getting through this tumultuous period, it’s vital to set boundaries to protect your mental health and happiness. We spoke with ten inspiring female entrepreneurs on the one thing they would never compromise on. Perhaps their ability to stay true to their values and purpose will help you navigate your own routine and sanity:
“My moments of creativity.”
“One of the most important things for me in life is to make sure my creative muscles stay active. In any role or responsibility I take, I will make sure I have opportunities to be creative. It can be in storytelling, creative problem solving, or finding innovative ways to approach a challenge. It is only when I get to think creatively that I really feel that I’m in the right place. I also make sure to have avenues for creativity beyond my job. These include leading meetups and groups around different topics, writing things that no one will ever read, brainstorming ideas with other entrepreneurs or just spending quality time with creative people around me who get my creative juices flowing.” —Shachar Orren, the chief marketing officer of EX.CO.
“My morning ritual.”
“Setting time aside for yourself first thing every morning will set the tone for the rest of your day. Regardless of you have only ten minutes, do a few things that make you feel calm and positive before jumping into your inbox. Meditation is a great way to clear your mind or a light stretching sequence to awaken the body before sitting in front of the computer. Or it can be as simple as getting up a little earlier to drink your coffee in silence. Whatever you choose, make it sacred. Honor yourself and your time first thing every day so you can serve others better.” —Kelsey Kennedy, the CEO of Blossom and Stone and the co-founder of Chrysalis Fitness and Wellness.
“My family and home life.”
“I would never compromise on family or home life. That is your time, and everyone deserves that. That is how you truly value and respect your employees for their hard work and dedication. You allow them time to enjoy their lives with the proper balance to enjoy their family, to enjoy their free time and to really truly recharge. Maintaining a balance that demonstrates you both understand and value your team’s needs will help set you apart as a professional.” —Alex Schrecengost, the CEO and founder of Virtual With Us.
“My integrity.”
“You must be honest; be honest with who you are and who you engage with. Sometimes honesty can be painful at the moment, but you never lose the opportunity to learn from life and grow as a person and business owner. I have had my share of business moments where I had to sit with my thoughts and think honestly about what was best for me and my business. At the end of the day, honesty prevails and has always led me in the right direction.” —Marcella Fodor, the CEO and founder of Sovány Beverage Company.
“My unplugged time with my husband.”
“My husband and I both created our start-up companies around the same time and spent the bulk of our days — and nights! — working. For us, especially during the pandemic, the lines between home life and work life are blurred, so I actively carve out time every evening to do something together that is screen-free. Whether we have a pre-dinner cocktail, go on a walk or just take thirty minutes to talk and decompress, time together each day is a non-negotiable for me. We can make this time happen because we commit to it in the same way we would commit to an important work event on the calendar. It might sound silly, but when you are really busy, actually adding time with a spouse, friend or partner to your calendar can help ensure that you take the time and stick to it. For me, this unplugged time is how I recharge, maintain perspective and stay connected.” —Allison (Allie) Klein, founder and CEO of Rose & Rex.
“My value and worth.”
“If you’re just getting started in your business, it can be easy to fall into the trap of giving away work for free. Don’t do it. It devalues what you bring and the produce or service you have to offer. Instead, have a purpose-driven strategy for when you might discount work or do pro-bono work and stick with it. I have discounted rates to support a cause or non-profit mission that I believe in. Early on in my company, I was focused on revenue and keeping the lights on. That led to clients and partnerships that I didn’t really enjoy. Today, I trust my instincts and when I meet someone — a potential colleague, client or business partner — and the relationship just feels ‘off,’ or like I have to work too hard to move things forward, then I know it’s not a good fit. I’m always asking myself, ‘does this bring me joy?’” —Marsha Acker, the author of ‘The Art and Science of Facilitation: How to Lead Effective Collaboration With Agile Teams.’
“My gut.”
“Receiving input and advice is important, and most of it will be well-meaningful. But if you’re truly seeking to do something innovative, you will likely face a lot of idea resistance from those around you, who just might not have the foresight to see or understand your vision. When I was preparing for my business launch, I repeatedly heard negative comments from others. I was told no one wants lozenges, no contract manufacturer would take on a business so small, and apparently, our packaging was too girly. But I was determined, and stuck to my instincts, and our packaging is the most commented-on feature of the brand. At the same time, our buyers report loving the lozenge format for being so unique, and we love our manufacturing partner.” —Alisa Pospekhova, the CEO and founder of Kindroot.
“My business commitments.”
“Whether I’ve committed to a payment plan, a client contract, or even verbally promised something, it is crucial to me to follow through on my commitments. I always strive to overdeliver. A tip I would give other female entrepreneurs to follow is ‘your word is your bond.’ Honor what you say you will do because how you do anything is how you do everything. When you prioritize your relationships with others, your reputation will precede you.” —Ellen Yin, the founder and podcast host of Cubicle to CEO.
“My family dinners.”
“Even before the pandemic, we were committed to all five of us having dinner together at least five nights a week. Now that we have been in lockdown, we find ourselves lingering at the table, and these dinners have even become the highlight of my teenagers’ days! We each do our own thing during the day: school, running companies and sports. These meals are a reliable time to reconnect and laugh (and of course, sometimes even argue!) and share our ups and downs.” —Samantha Ettus, the founder and CEO of Park Place Payments.
“My boundaries between work and life.”
“I don’t engage in projects or opportunities that I can’t reasonably wrap my family around. For a good portion of my career, I worked in organizations or projects where it was very difficult to dedicate the required time and attention needed for my family, specifically my children. This was valuable time lost that I was never able to regain. I fully consider how the work wraps around my family because placing them in the center instead of centering work and attempting to fit my family in when I could. To be clear, there are times where sacrifices or exceptions are required for finite periods of time, but definitely not the norm. When you find yourself compromising on the familiar roles that are most important for you and your family, maintaining a contract, or staying in business, then making the adjustments or changes, over time, makes the most sense for you. It will be gorgeous once you find your balance.” —Kerry Mitchell Brown, founder of KMB.
